It’s tulip planting time!
When it comes to hybrid tulips, some gardeners pass on such pleasures because they only last but a single spring, while other backyard growers insist on providing space in ornamental beds for these spring beauties, even if their show is an ephemeral experience.
Autumn is not only the season to enjoy the glory of fiery fall foliage from woody ornamentals, but it is also a good time to plant such trees and shrubs
I am with the latter group because, although there are species of tulips that can perennialize in Carolina gardens and come back year after year, typical hybrid tulips are, indeed, one-season wonders — but so are often-grown summertime annuals such as zinnias, sunflowers and petunias. And like these annual bloomers, tulips are easy to grow.
How easy? Well, first just buy bulbs, but fine tune your search by shopping like a Texan (in other words, go for the biggest bulbs in the bins or bags because they will produce the best displays).
Planting comes next, of course, but don’t be in a rush because the soil has to cool at least to 60 degrees for proper bulb maturity. In Carolina gardens, this usually means waiting at least until mid- to late-November.
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Since tulip bulbs could rot in a planting site that doesn’t drain well, dig or till down to a depth of at least a foot, making sure to add gobs of compost or commercial soil conditioner to fluff up the dirt. Of course, a raised bed would also help with drainage.
Plant tulip bulbs about 6 to 8 inches deep. This will put them in an underground area of constant cool needed through the winter to encourage bulb development. Adding 2 inches of light mulch will likewise insulate the bulbs from the unwanted warmth of a mild winter.
If you want the beauty of home-grown tulips but on a small scale, they can also be grown in pots. Just use a nutrient-rich potting mix in containers that are at least 12 inches deep and wide, and, of course, have drainage holes.
The pots should be set in an area that is protected from heavy winter precipitation, and, oddly enough, the sun, since it could warm the containers and disrupt the bulbs’ necessary chill cycle. An unheated garage or shed will do, as will a covered area on the north side of your house.
Water occasionally, and then, in late winter, set the potted tulip bulbs out in a warm, sunny area to help trigger their springtime bloom-fest!
Garden To-Do’s for November
Autumn is not only the season to enjoy the glory of fiery fall foliage from woody ornamentals, but it is also a good time to plant such trees and shrubs. So, plan to stop by your friendly local nurseries to see what woodies they have in stock that are currently flaunting seasonal bling. There should be plenty to pick from, but if you need a “cheat sheet,” some of my favorite autumn showoffs include chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia), serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis), fothergilla (Fothergilla sp.), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and (believe it or not) blueberry (Vaccinium sp.)
- Time to cut back and discard tired-looking hollyhock plants, not only because they look, well, a mess, but also to help prevent a common disease known as rust from overwintering in the faded foliage and coming back next spring with a vengeance.
- If you would like your holiday arrangements and decorations to take on a more earthy tone, whether spray painted or left natural, the dry seed pods of such common garden plants as okra, milkweed, magnolia and redbud can add an all-natural touch to your creations. Ditto for pinecones, acorns and gum balls.
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